The leadership crisis
Leadership is trusted influence that drives organizational success. Unlike management, which controls processes, true leadership inspires change and can be demonstrated by employees at all levels. Building trust through credibility and reputation is essential for retaining engaged talent.
Bedford Hospital NHS Trust Improves Forecasting and Aids Service-line Reporting with COA Solutions’ Collaborative Planning
Bedford Hospital NHS Trust has implemented Collaborative Planning, a budgeting and forecasting system from COA Solutions, to streamline financial reporting and improve service-line visibility. The web-based solution eliminates manual spreadsheet consolidation, saving management accountants one day per month each while providing real-time budget monitoring across 80 budget holders.
Organisational change: The messy reality
Organisational change often fails to deliver expected benefits, with initial enthusiasm giving way to disillusionment. Chris Rodgers challenges conventional change management approaches, arguing they’re based on an illusion of control and ignore the messy reality of how organisations actually function.
Top tips on tackling absence
Tackling workplace absence effectively requires assessing the scale of the problem, identifying root causes, and implementing clear policies. Organizations should balance managing unauthorized absences with supporting genuinely ill employees, while addressing lateness through flexible arrangements and firm monitoring rather than punitive measures.
A week in HR: October bank holiday campaign takes hold
The Trades Union Congress has renewed its campaign for an October bank holiday to bridge the gap between August and Christmas holidays. A survey shows 92% of employees support adding a new bank holiday, with 79% preferring October. Meanwhile, recruitment sector workers are seeing stronger pay growth, with senior recruitment roles earning 11% above average.
Applying business knowledge, making a strategic difference
HR business partners can add strategic value by combining deep business knowledge with HR expertise. Learn how to assess your current understanding and close knowledge gaps to make a genuine impact on organizational performance.
360 degree appraisal and a high performing law firm partner
A high-performing law firm partner resists feedback until presented with concrete 360-degree appraisal data. Through evidence-backed comments revealing patterns of poor listening and limited openness, Charles begins to lower his defenses and recognize how his dominant style damages colleagues and his own effectiveness.
Ask the expert: Likelihood of compensation payout
An employer facing an unfair dismissal tribunal claim believes they followed correct procedures, though possibly not in the right order. Legal experts examine whether procedural errors and newly discovered false qualifications will result in significant compensation liability.
UK temps given same rights as permanent staff after 12 weeks
UK temporary workers will receive equal pay and conditions as permanent staff after 12 weeks with an employer under the new Temporary Agency Workers Directive. The UK secured a unique 12-week threshold, while other EU states must ensure equality from day one. The directive protects key employment flexibilities while excluding certain benefits like pensions.
Keeping out of the dock: Tips on avoiding tribunals
Employers can reduce tribunal claims by maintaining clear employment policies, training managers on employment law, following discipline and grievance procedures consistently, and keeping thorough written records. Prompt investigation of grievances and open communication help resolve disputes internally before escalation.
HR tip: How long should disciplinary warnings last for?
Standard disciplinary warnings typically last no longer than six months, while final warnings usually remain valid for 12 months or longer depending on the severity of the offense. Employers should document the warning period in writing and apply consistent policies across all employees.
Heard but not seen: Managing the remote worker
Remote working is increasingly used to attract and retain talent, but managing employees outside the office requires careful planning. Without proper structure, remote work can create stress for both employers and employees, making clear policies and well-defined roles essential for success.
Managing large-scale redundancies in a fast-changing world
Large-scale redundancies require strict adherence to statutory consultation procedures, including meaningful dialogue with employee representatives and proper notification timelines. Employers proposing 20+ redundancies must consult for at least 30 days before dismissal, with longer periods for larger layoffs, or face significant financial penalties.
Leading Logistics Company Improves Efficiency and Reduces Environmental Impact with COA Solutions’ Electronic Payslips
GAC Logistics (UK) Ltd reduced operational costs and environmental impact by implementing COA Solutions’ Electronic Payslip system, saving six working days annually and eliminating manual processing. The password-protected email payslips deliver efficiency gains while improving employee satisfaction and reducing pay-related queries.
Managing the star performer
Star performers need different management approaches to maintain their exceptional results while preventing negative team impacts. This involves channeling their energy constructively, transferring their skills to others, and addressing problematic behaviors promptly to prevent complacency and maintain organizational standards.
Tribunals: Winning is only the first step
Employment tribunal victories can be undermined by compensation reductions under the Polkey principle, which limits awards if procedural unfairness wouldn’t have changed the dismissal outcome. Employers may escape liability for procedural failures if they can demonstrate the employee would have been dismissed anyway through proper procedures.
Talent management: The secret of success
Effective talent management requires developing all employees’ contributions, not just high performers. By measuring value through job assignments and results rather than position, organizations can help staff progress through stages of increasing impact and influence, creating competitive advantage in uncertain economic times.
A week in HR: Flexible working extension pulled
The government has delayed plans to extend flexible working rights to parents with children up to 16, sparking backlash from work-life balance organizations and unions who argue the move harms competitiveness. Meanwhile, a survey reveals most workers plan to stay with current employers despite recession fears, while working mothers seek increased employment opportunities.
Ask the expert: Discrimination in interview
Experts advise that asking diversity questions during interviews is not inherently discriminatory, even if candidates feel uncomfortable. A strong discrimination claim requires evidence of unfair treatment based on protected characteristics, not discomfort with questioning itself.
Caption competition: And the winner is…
Our monthly caption competition winner is Amanda Roberts from Leamington Spa, whose witty entry about a customized Robin Reliant earned her a bottle of Burgundy white wine. Check back next month for the next competition.
